PART 1: Background
1a: What is Irritable Bowel Syndromez
1b: What is the prevalence of IBSz
1c: What factors contribute to the onset of IBSz
1d: How long does IBS lastz
1e: What effect does IBS have on one's lifestylez
1f: Are my symptoms just "all in my head" or psychosomaticz
1g: What factors contribute to health care utilizationz
PART 2: Symptoms
2a: What are the symptoms of IBSz
2b: How severe are these symptomsz
2c: Does everybody get the same symptomsz
PART 3: Medical Facts
3a: What causes IBSz
3b: What is the role of psychological and/or social factors in IBSz
3c: Is IBS life-threateningz
3d: Will IBS lead to colon or rectal cancerz
3e: Will IBS lead to IBD (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis)z
3f: Will my IBS eventually go away, or will I have it for the rest of my lifez
PART 4: Diagnosis
4a: How do I know for sure if I have IBSz
4b: Is IBS a legitimate diagnosisz Should I seek a second opinionz
PART 5: Related Maladies
5a: How does IBS differ from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitisz
5b: How does IBS differ from gluten enteropathy/celiac diseasez
5c: How does IBS relate to other broad-spectrum symdromes, such as Fibromylagia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome (MCSS), and othersz